THE University of Venda has denied allegations that it had allowed a former students representative council president to drive the institution's car without a valid driver's licence.

University management claims it was duped into believing the licence was valid, but Sowetan can reveal that Sylvester Motadi, pictured, dethroned last week as SRC president, drove a car hired by the institution using a fake driver's licence whenever he undertook trips.

Motadi allegedly took a friend's driver's licence and replaced his picture with his.

According to a source at the university, Motadi was allegedly exposed by junior officials in the institution's transport department who then informed their seniors.

Our source said Motadi had allegedly submitted two driver's licences to the transport department and this had prompted an investigation.

University legal adviser Nanga Lidovho yesterday confirmed that an investigation had been instituted but would not be drawn into revealing its findings.

"Motadi is going to face charges of misconduct," said Lidovho.

He said providing wrong or incorrect information to the institution was viewed as fraud and "we regard that as misconduct".

Speaking to Sowetan yesterday, Motadi confirmed that he had indeed used a fraudulent driver's licence but said he had been pushed into doing so in order to save the institution money.

It is also alleged that Motadi was involved in an accident involving a hired car which resulted in R50000 damages.

"An issue of this nature is personal. Using somebody's licence was raised by other jealous students. I was saving the university money for not hiring a driver for me," he said.

Lidovho said Motadi would appear before a disciplinary hearing today.